Sharing the Road With Big Rigs
Most trucking accidents involving tractor-trailers and cars are the result of the car driver not traveling in the truck driver's line of sight.
An 18-wheeler with a full load can weigh up to 40 tons.
If you're in a car, that's a lot of weight to be going up against at speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour.
It is estimated that 5,000 people die yearly in accidents involving trucks - and 98% of those killed were in the car.
Here are some tips to ensure your safety when traveling near large trucks.
Always make sure you can see the side mirrors of a big rig.
Because of the length of a tractor-trailer, trucks have large blind spots that will make you virtually invisible to the truck driver.
You should avoid areas of the truck such as the immediate front, to the left or right of the cab, and up to 200 feet behind the trailer.
If you maintain a distance that you can see the truck's side mirrors, you'll know that the driver can also see you.
Try not to travel along side a truck for long periods of time.
Trucks sometimes change lanes to avoid hazards on the road.
Make sure you pass a truck quickly to avoid being in the blind spot for a prolonged time.
On two lane roads, blink your lights when you want to let a truck driver know that you are going to pass.
Usually, a trucker will blink his lights back to let you know it's safe to pass.
If he doesn't blink back, you should wait and try to pass later to avoid any potential problems up ahead that you can't see.
After you pass the truck, be sure you are far enough ahead before switching back into the right lane.
Make certain you can see the truck's headlights to ensure both you and the truck have adequate room.
Conversely, if a truck is behind you and blinks it's lights, it means he wants to pass you.
If it is clear, blink back and allow the truck time and room to make the pass.
In bad weather, always travel with your headlights on.
Cars and trucks kick up a lot of spray and anything you can do to make yourself more noticeable to a truck driver will contribute to the safety of both of you and the trucker.
Always give trucks enough space while traveling.
Remember, trucks need twice as much stopping distance as cars, so the amount of time and space it would take you to brake to avoid a road hazard, it would take the truck double.
Leave enough room for a truck to brake and to change lanes.
Also, leave a big rig enough cushion for making right and left turns.
Don't tailgate - try to maintain a safe distance of at least 200 feet behind a truck.
Not only will this guarantee you have enough stopping time in case the truck needs to brake suddenly, but also it will help you avoid any flying debris if the truck has a tire blowout.
Always being cautious of the vehicles traveling around you and using some common sense while on the road will help you avoid any problems or accidents.
Share the road with the big rigs and you both will get to your destinations safely.
An 18-wheeler with a full load can weigh up to 40 tons.
If you're in a car, that's a lot of weight to be going up against at speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour.
It is estimated that 5,000 people die yearly in accidents involving trucks - and 98% of those killed were in the car.
Here are some tips to ensure your safety when traveling near large trucks.
Always make sure you can see the side mirrors of a big rig.
Because of the length of a tractor-trailer, trucks have large blind spots that will make you virtually invisible to the truck driver.
You should avoid areas of the truck such as the immediate front, to the left or right of the cab, and up to 200 feet behind the trailer.
If you maintain a distance that you can see the truck's side mirrors, you'll know that the driver can also see you.
Try not to travel along side a truck for long periods of time.
Trucks sometimes change lanes to avoid hazards on the road.
Make sure you pass a truck quickly to avoid being in the blind spot for a prolonged time.
On two lane roads, blink your lights when you want to let a truck driver know that you are going to pass.
Usually, a trucker will blink his lights back to let you know it's safe to pass.
If he doesn't blink back, you should wait and try to pass later to avoid any potential problems up ahead that you can't see.
After you pass the truck, be sure you are far enough ahead before switching back into the right lane.
Make certain you can see the truck's headlights to ensure both you and the truck have adequate room.
Conversely, if a truck is behind you and blinks it's lights, it means he wants to pass you.
If it is clear, blink back and allow the truck time and room to make the pass.
In bad weather, always travel with your headlights on.
Cars and trucks kick up a lot of spray and anything you can do to make yourself more noticeable to a truck driver will contribute to the safety of both of you and the trucker.
Always give trucks enough space while traveling.
Remember, trucks need twice as much stopping distance as cars, so the amount of time and space it would take you to brake to avoid a road hazard, it would take the truck double.
Leave enough room for a truck to brake and to change lanes.
Also, leave a big rig enough cushion for making right and left turns.
Don't tailgate - try to maintain a safe distance of at least 200 feet behind a truck.
Not only will this guarantee you have enough stopping time in case the truck needs to brake suddenly, but also it will help you avoid any flying debris if the truck has a tire blowout.
Always being cautious of the vehicles traveling around you and using some common sense while on the road will help you avoid any problems or accidents.
Share the road with the big rigs and you both will get to your destinations safely.
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